The summer school will cover a series of three independent, but thematically connected introductory lecture series covering general nonlinear optimization, polynomial optimization and methods of moments, and the intersection of optimization and combinatorics.
Nonlinear optimization represents a core area in modern mathematics. Moreover, it is one of the nine key areas of the priority program SPP 2458 Combinatorial Synergies. Polynomial optimization as one key area in nonlinear optimization has been thriving for the last ca. 25 years since seminal contributions by Lasserre and (independently) Parrilo allowing to relax non-convex (often NP-hard) optimization problems to a converging hierarchy of convex problems, which can be tackled effectively. There exist plenty of relations of (non-linear) optimization to combinatorics -- not just in terms of integer programming, but moreover e.g. in terms of combinatorial information provided by support sets of defining polynomials, which can lead to necessary conditions for nonnegativity or in terms of sparsity patterns exploitable by algorithms.
Under Abstracts you can find an overview on the lectures.
The registration is now open!
In order to register, please send an email to optimization-combinatorics-2025@tu-braunschweig.de .
In your email we would like to know whether you are interested in a joint (self-paid) dinner and what your dietry restrictions are. On Sunday, there are no lectures and we plan a joint hike in the Harz Mountains nearby. Please indicate whether you are interested to join (and don't forget to bring your hiking boots).
Travel Support
We have limited travel funding available for those participants who have no other funding source. In order to apply for travel funding, please send a letter of motivation (between half a page and one page) why you would like to participate and need the support, as well as one brief letter of recommendation along with your registration email. Application for travel funding closes on June 20th, 2025 and we will notify the recipients by June 30st, 2025. Afterwards, registration (without funding) is still open.
You can reach us via optimization-combinatorics-2025@tu-braunschweig.de
The support by the following organizations is gratefully acknowledged.
This summer school is partially supported by the priority program SPP 2458 Combinatorial Synergies.
This summer school is partially funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the organizers and speakers only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. This summer school is partially supported by ERC grant SCARCE, 101087662.
Photo credits: Markus Hörster/TU Braunschweig, cropped